How to handle (the dreaded) impromptu Q&A session

Updated: Nov 11, 2019

You’ve just delivered an outstanding presentation....and now it's time for some Q&A. Suddenly, your confidence evaporates and you’re frozen like a deer in headlights, bracing yourself for what's to come.

If this feeling has ever gripped you before a Q&A session - welcome to the club. Nearly everyone we have worked with cringes at the very thought of taking questions, which is why we put so much emphasis on practicing this very important skill.

The reason it's so important? Because answering impromptu questions is simply a part of life and a BIG part of your professional career.

How great would it be to present your annual report to your boss, then say "sorry, no questions!" once you're done.

The reality is that you can't escape it....so you might as well make it a strength!

Although Q&A period might terrify you, the good news is that:it's a skill that you can develop andthere are strategies you can implement to make Q&A a lot easierTo help you get started, we put together a list of strategies you can start implementing immediately. We recommend printing this document and having it by your desk for easy reference.

Pro tip: The key is to find opportunities in your everyday work-life to use these tools and find your own personal style to handle impromptu Q&A. Once you've mastered this, it might just become you're favourite part of your presentation!